Canada Soccer announced Thursday that the 2020 Canadian Championship has been postponed, meaning Toronto FC will be the Canadian representative in the 2021 Concacaf Champions League.
Discussions had taken place for Canada's CCL representative to be decided in the CanChamp Final on March 20, with Toronto FC slated to face off against Canadian Premier League side Forge FC, but the sides determined that issues related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic meant playing the match was not feasible. According to Thursday's release, "every effort will be made to hold the Canadian Championship at a later date pending league schedules and in accordance with all public health and safety measures."
"Canada Soccer looks forward to hosting the Canadian Championship Final at Tim Hortons Field and celebrating the achievements of both clubs with their fans in the stands in a safe manner," Canada Soccer president Dr. Nick Bontis said in a statement. "Eventually, we will crown a Battle of the North champion and award the Voyageurs Cup for the 2020 season. We recognize that the past year has been difficult for Canadians and applaud the valiant efforts of all public health authorities including the Government of Ontario, Forge FC and Toronto FC in support of hosting the Canadian Championship Final. All parties have agreed to coordinate the future scheduling of the 2020 final in a true show of collaborative sportsmanship."
With the news, Toronto FC become the last of 16 teams confirmed for this year’s 2021 Concacaf Champions League, which kicks off Tuesday, April 6. Toronto and Liga MX side Club León will play their two Round of 16 matches on April 7 and April 14. The Concacaf Champions League Quarterfinals are set for April 27-29 and May 4-6.
Forge FC earned the spot as TFC's opposition for the Canadian Championship final by winning its second consecutive Canadian Premier League title in September, defeating HFX Wanderers FC 2-0 in The Island Games final.
